11 Reasons to Visit Mexico's Yucatan This Summer

In 2022 Yucatan has positioned itself as a major Mexican tourist destination for national and international travellers, thanks to the large variety of attractions on offer from nature to culture combined with a world-class hotel and road infrastructure making it the perfect setting for a stupendous holiday. 

Here we share with you some of Yucatan's highlights that might position the destination at the top of the UK travellers' bucket list for this summer.

The Culture of the Mayan People

The Mayan world is kept alive today thanks to the many ancient traditions that continue among the inhabitants of the Yucatan peninsula, as well as a large number of Mayan ruins in the area. 

Yucatan has 19 archaeological sites open to the public and spread throughout the state. Each site continues to amaze visitors, offering them a mosaic of culture and mysticism that distinguishes the cosmogony of this civilization from others. Chichen Itzá, located in Yucatan, is the only site in Mexico that has been recognised as one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An unparalleled Gastronomy

In Yucatan, the local food is considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The cuisine contains influences from traditional Mayan culture, with further additions from Spanish and Lebanese cultures which have come to the region over the years. Yucatan has managed to leverage its culinary influence globally thanks to new culinary projects in which contemporary regional food has gained popularity due to the versatility of its unique flavours. 

2022 was a big year for the Yucatan food scene. It was named the Year of Yucatecan Gastronomy. It was designated to celebrate this unique, local cuisine in a big way, by carrying out various promotional activities designed to reinforce its international recognition and attract some of the best chefs and experienced foodies in the world who have all been captivated by the aromas, flavours and textures of the Mayab. Yucatan hosted the first edition of the Falvours of Yucatan festival as well as the 10th edition of the Latin Aerica's 50 Best Restaurants Awards.

Almost 400 km of Coastline: the novelty in the peninsula

In Yucatan you can enjoy good weather all year round, even during the winters the temperatures only drop to around 22 º C; That means Yucatan is always the perfect destination to enjoy beautiful beaches no matter the season. Although some of the Yucatan beaches - on the Gulf of Mexico - aren't well known, they have been recognised for being some of the most beautiful in the country, according to the Playas Platino, granted by the Mexican Institute for Standardisation and Verification. Yucatan proudly holds 7 spaces on the Playas Platino list, the state with the second largest number of recognised beaches in the country, second only to Quintana Roo (Mexican Caribbean), the neighbouring state.

Impressive Architecture

In Yucatan, the unique fusion of its Mayan history and later European influences is seen throughout its culture, cuisine, and architecture. Here the beautiful French-style limestone houses were once home to elite colonial-era families and still continue to be used today as museums and restaurants. For example, the large houses along the famous Paseo de Montejo in Mérida, Yucatan's capital city, today coexist in a modern and cosmopolitan environment; the most famous of these houses being Quinta Montes Molina, Casa Faller, Casa Gemelas and Casa el Pinar.

Pueblos Mágicos or Magical Towns

Pueblos Mágicos, Mexico's network of famous Magical Towns, are small towns recognised nationally for their natural beauty, rich history and extraordinary legends. These towns are very symbolic and have a clear local identity. Yucatan has 4 Magical Towns: Maní, Izamal, Sisal and Valladolid all of which have impressive biodiversity, culture, natural landscapes, Mayan history, and folklore or have been the setting of historic events. Today, these towns act as an example of inclusivity and sustainability, promoting the social, cultural and economic growth of the local population.

Local Haciendas

Today there are approximately 300 haciendas in Yucatan. These large estates arose mostly during the second half of the 19th century, built by old families whose heirs had generated wealth during the colonial period. Despite their long history, some of the larger haciendas have been able to recover the splendour of their heyday by being converted into luxury hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, museums or modern-day country houses. Hacienda Hunucmá is a great place to see some of this splendour up close. This estate is said to be the first place Carlota, Empress consort of Mexico, stayed upon her arrival in the country in 1865. Hacienda Chablé, now a boutique hotel, is another building that has retained its original structure. Hacienda Teya, now a restaurant and hotel, has received many famous visitors from all over the world, including Queen Sofía of Spain, Hillary Clinton and the Grand Dukes of Luxembourg, among many others.

Unbeatable Biodiversity

The Southeast of Mexico is well known for being an area rich in biodiversity. Here, you'll have the option to engage in ecotourism and fall in love with the jungles. It's no surprise that Yucatan is home to some incredible nature reserves, such as Ría Celestún Reserve, a unique example of a natural wetland and mangroves; Ría Lagartos Reserve, which sits at the intersection of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, making this the preferred nesting spot for Pink Flamingos; or Alacranes Reserve, home to the largest coral reef in the Gulf of Mexico and the only coral reef in Mexico. 

Cenotes

Around 65 million years ago a meteorite hit Chicxulub, forming hundreds of the famous cenotes and caves that still exist today, waiting to be explored. Currently there are approximately 3,000 registered cenotes, of which only 139 are open to the public. Yucatan is home to some of the most beautiful and famous cenotes, such as Cenote Carlota, located within Hacienda Mucuyché, named after Carlota the former Empress Consort of Mexico who was the first person to bathe in its waters. Within Hacienda Selva Maya, is Cenote Saamal, whose crystal-clear waters lie 20m below ground level.

A Cosmopolitan City

Mérida is a great starting point for your visit to the state. Founded in 1542 and built on the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of T'ho, it's well known for its wide variety of cultural and artistic attractions and for being a key historic colonial centre. The architecture in the city has clear European influences. In particular, the impressive French style of the large houses on Paseo de Montejo, the most important avenue in the city, stands out. Currently, the city is listed in the top 5 'Best Large Cities' in the world to travel to by a major international travel magazine.

Improved Travel Connections to the State

Yucatan has seen a huge growth in its air connectivity, becoming one of the most well-connected states in the country. Merida's airport offers 10 national and 8 international routes, helping travellers reach the wide variety of quality products, services and unique experiences on offer here. Likewise, there are also many road travel connections granting access to various communities and giving travellers access to the splendour of the Mayan world. Its proximity to Cancun's airport is also remarkable. Finally, the Mayan Train - a project from the federal government - due to open in the near future will connect the destinations of Yucatan with the rest of the peninsula.

One of the Safest Destinations for Travelers in Mexico

Yucatan has repeatedly been recognised as one of the safest states to live and travel in Mexico. The state's capital is the second safest city on the American continent, behind only Quebec, Canada. Even more reason for travellers to keep coming and enjoying all that this destination has to offer.

So, there is no excuse not to visit this state and be immersed in its culture and traditions at the gateway to the Mayan World.